Turkey to launch new maritime traffic system in 2019

By Erdal Çelikel

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey will complete its indigenous maritime traffic system project in 16 months and put it into service next year in April, a minister said on Friday.

Speaking at a signing ceremony, Ahmet Arslan, Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, said the project is an important step to reduce dependency on foreign countries.

Arslan stated that Turkish state-run air defense and military software company HAVELSAN and Turkish defense contractor ASELSAN are jointly working on the project.

"Cost of this project is 59 million Turkish liras ($15.2 million),” Arslan said, adding that they are planning to complete this project by Apr. 15, 2019.

After the launch of the project, the minister said, Turkey will have its own information database about vessels on Turkish seas and it can also be shared with other state institutions instantly.

Arslan emphasized that maritime is important for economic growth as 90 percent of world trade is made by sea transport.

He said Turkey has 174 international harbors and the country showed a “remarkable” improvement in maritime safety as well.

The deal was signed by Arslan, Canikli, Turkish General of Coastal Safety Director Hizirreis Deniz and HAVELSAN General Manager Ahmet Hamdi Atalay.

Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli also attended the ceremony.